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Trending in Om Alec Khaoli’s World
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Quick Facts
Born
1949
1949
From
South Africa
South Africa
Journey
Alec "Om" Khaoli is a seminal South African bassist, producer, who redefined the township music landscape. He first garnered acclaim as a founding member of Harari, a legendary Afro-rock ensemble that fused traditional rhythms with funk. As the "Bubblegum" era emerged, Khaoli transitioned into a solo career and led the group Umoja, pioneering the use of synthesizers and drum machines in South African pop. His 1984 masterpiece, "You Are The One," remains a global touchstone for boogie-funk collectors.
Beyond his performance career, Khaoli made history by establishing Fireworks Studio in Soweto, becoming the first Black South African to own a private recording facility. This move bypassed the restrictive, white-owned studios of the Apartheid era, allowing artists to experiment freely. His prolific discography includes landmark releases such as “Magic Touch,”(1982), “Say You Love Me,” (1985), and “Sekuru,”(1987), solidifying his legacy as an innovative pioneer of African electronic music.